Sixth-grader ends up
as Barkalow’s ‘idol’
BY LINDA DeNICOLA
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — He’s only in the sixth grade, but he already has a title, "Barkalow Idol." Kevin Iavaroni won the Barkalow Middle School talent contest on May 20.
"Kevin was the only boy in our competition, and he won by a landslide. The kids who voted after the judges narrowed down the selection to three finalists loved him," said Lisamarie Marotta, a language arts teacher who was one of the student council’s moderators.
According to Marotta, Alanna Autler and Kristen Estilow tied for second place in the fun competition based on the "American Idol" television show.
Kevin received a trophy, and Alanna and Kristen received certificates to honor their achievements, she said, adding that the winners were announced over the school’s public address system on the morning of May 21.
Kevin won over 14 other acts and 19 students overall by singing a song by The Misfits called "Saturday Night." Of the other acts, one was a dance number with four girls in it, and one singing act had three girls in it, Marotta said, adding that the "Barkalow Idol" contest was similar to "American Idol," but not as harsh or competitive.
"Obviously, we can’t offer the winner a recording contract," she said.
The students at Barkalow and their families were invited to attend.
"It cost $2 to enjoy the fine entertainment of our finalists," Marotta said.
She explained that students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades were asked to audition a few weeks ago. "Barkalow Idol" is a student council event and the representatives from all three grades decided it should be an after-school event.
There were three teachers (judges) who watched the event and then narrowed the 14 acts down to three. The audience members voted for their favorite performer as they exited the gym.
The next morning, Kevin came up the winner.